Eastlake police initiated the search by sending out an alert to area police Aug. 19, which was upgraded Aug. 21, when she was reported missing.

Sharma’s car was found shortly after midnight on Aug. 22 in the Boston Store Visitor Center parking lot, according to the release.

Park representatives said the search continued with kayaks and on foot through dense trees in the 33,000-acre park over the week with the help of volunteers.

On Aug. 26, park representative Mary Pat Doorley said because there was such a great number of volunteers interested in helping in the search, the National Park Service had to limit the number of people they called back.

During the search, park representative Jennie Vasarhelyi said some personal items believed by investigators to be Sharma’s turned up and were used as leads.

Vasarhelyi said friends have told search crews that Sharma was known to enjoy being in nature, so it was not uncommon for her to be at a park.

About the Author

Devon covers Painesville City and schools, in-depth topics and splits his time on the copy desk. He's traveled around the world, worked in TV and loves coffee, music, theater and the OU Bobcats. Reach the author at DTurchan@News-Herald.com
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